hull allowed the M2.5A to achieve faster
than expected speeds and also return
incredible fuel efficiency for a two stroke
2.5. Below half throttle opening, however,
the foredeck visibly shook, so pottering
around bays and up rivers was out.
In comparison there was scarcely any
vibration from the F2.5, which was also
faster. Set on the second trim hole for best
all round performance it was not possible
to spin the engine 180 degrees for reverse
as the leg contacted the 16" transom.
On the Walker Bay 10 and set on the third
trim hole, vibration through this strongly-
built polyethylene hull was low. The 4.3"
prop was a perfect choice but, due to the
deeper prop immersion than Richard’s own
four stroke Suzuki DF2.5 designed for 15"
transoms, the M2.5A was not as fast and
used substantially more fuel.
Its midrange torque, however, makes it
ideal for towing a small keelboat as well
as pushing the Walker Bay 10. On a 2.4m
tender and swinging the 4.3" prop the 1989
model M2.5A I borrowed towed my 1.6
tonne Bluey at three knots on half throttle,
so the engine has the ability to tow a small
yacht if the yacht’s auxiliary is not working.
Although the small zinc anode needs
frequent replacing when the tender is
rafted alongside a yacht having copper
antifouling, the M2.5A has excellent
saltwater corrosion resistance. After a
total of 130 hours of salt water leg/lower
unit immersion, the 1996 model M2.5A had
only slight surface rusting on the stainless
steel fuel cock clips and prop shaft, with
the paintwork still in showroom condition.
Resale values are good too. According
to Tomos Marine of Marks Point NSW my
local Tohatsu dealer, a 2008 model M2.5A
in good condition fetches up to $650, while
a 1988 model is still worth $100.FINAL WORDS
The M2.5A is a throwback to a much
simpler age when direct drive outboards
were the norm. In the sixties it was
possible to buy a direct drive engine as47
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Andrew Norton has written for
Cruising Helmsman since 1983. He
served in the Australian Merchant Navy where he
studied navigation and marine engineering and later
naval architecture at Sydney TAFE. He acquired his first
boat 51 years ago and has been sailing for 45 years.
He lives in the Lake Macquarie NSW area.
ANDREW NORTON
powerful as the Johnson 5, based on the
long running 6. I still occasionally use my
direct drive 1969 Johnson 1.5 because it
brings back childhood memories.
As the M2.5A was around for so long
spares availability is good, with parts
interchangeable with the Mercury 2.2,
Mariner/Mercury M2.5 and Force 3. The
high vibration levels at low to midrange
rpm do limit the M2.5A to inf latables
having solid timber transoms or hulls
like the Walker Bay 10 or even the old
polyethylene Pioneer 10 dinghy.
But if you want to lose f lab the M2.5A
sure is the right engine! ≈